Garden hose reel kits are more expensive, but they’re great if storage is an issue and the reel prevents hoses from getting tangled up or trodden on. On the whole, cheaper hoses have less layers, which affects their strength and durability over time. While a nozzle or spray gun isn’t essential - using your finger on the tip of the hose to adjust the water flow works well - they are practical. Each hose has a detailed list of pros and cons for clarity and has been rated according to preparation and storage, handling and performance, quality and features and value for money .

Garden Hoses | Watering | Screwfix Garden Hoses | Watering | Screwfix

The hose is lightweight but still felt sturdy and we liked the angled connector which reduces the chance of kinking. A hose can be an essential bit of kit for a gardener, making the task of watering your garden much easier than heaving a heavy watering can back and forth from the tap. In general, hosepipes are constructed with layers of vinyl, polyurethane and rubber, often reinforced with nylon or metal mesh.

Constructed from five layers, including a reinforced material the Hozelock Ultimate also has a smooth inner layer to enhance water flow. Alternatively, a brightly coloured hose is more visible and so less likely to be run over by a car or machinery. Made with a resilient blend of PVC and has ‘Everflow technology’, it has a central core throughout the hose that keeps the water flowing even when it's twisted, crushed or knotted. In general, a textured outer layer will attach more securely to the tap connector than smooth alternatives, and will be less likely to burst off the nozzle or tap connector while it’s in use.

Hose Pipes | Garden Hoses | Screwfix

Rubber hoses kink easily and can even get in a tangle, whereas expandable hoses, with their fabric outer layers, are designed to be anti-kink and anti-knot. Expandable hoses come with a tough woven fabric outer layer that allows them to expand and contract. With water conservation becoming more important than ever,check out this fascinating discussion between Arit Anderson and water expert Janet Manning on the BBC Gardeners’ World podcast.

if a watering can is all you're after, we've chosen 10 different designs to suit your gardening needs. It’s worth noting that cheaper hoses need to be replaced more often, which is ultimately bad news for your pocket and the environment. Lastly, while colour might seem an aesthetic choice, if you have your garden hose on display on a patio, you might want to choose the colour that best works with your scheme.